Syariah

Sabah Passes Native Courts Bill Establishing Three-Tier System

Sabah's state assembly advanced sweeping reforms, passing the Native Courts Bill 2026 to modernise the three-tier judicial structure with merit-based appointments while preserving customary law, and the Muslim Succession Bill 2026 to create a Syariah-based inheritance framework with protections for vulnerable groups. Debates also touched on constitutional recognition for native courts and related governance reforms, including the Sabah Ports Authority Amendment.